Net Zero Skills Hub

Explore a range of net zero training at our Renewable Technology Centre

We offer a range of courses that cover topics such as renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, and carbon management. Our instructors are experts in their fields, and provide hands-on training and practical experience to ensure that our students are fully equipped to succeed in this growing industry.

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to build a rewarding and fulfilling career.

By enrolling on our net zero courses, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to build a rewarding and fulfilling career. We offer courses in Awareness in Environmental Technologies, Solar Thermal, Solar PV, Heat Pumps, EV Charger Installation, Carbon Literacy, Domestic Ventilation, and a range of retrofit training plus many more.

For more information please email netzerohub@abingdon-witney.ac.uk or call us on 01235 541107.

What We Offer

Training for Plumbers: WRAS Water Regulations | Heat Pump Systems Installation (MCS Recognised) | Domestic Ventilation Systems | Low Temperature Hot Water Heating Systems | Unvented Hot Water Initial and Reassessment

Training for Electricians: Domestic Ventilation Systems | Domestic Solar Photovoltaic Systems | Electrical Energy Storage Systems | Domestic, Commercial and Industrial EV Charging Equipment Installation | Initial and Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations | Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Route Qualification | 18th Edition Wiring Regulations

Retrofit Training: Certificate in Retrofit | Airtightness and Weather Sealing Workshop

Sustainability Training: Airtightness and Weather Sealing Workshop | Carbon Literacy Training | Environmental Awareness | Introduction to Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar PV and Solar Thermal

Staff Profile: Craig Mays

Craig is a highly skilled electrical professional with nearly two decades of experience across domestic, commercial, and industrial environments. He started in property maintenance and quickly advanced to supervisory roles on large social housing and refurbishment projects, developing strong fault-finding skills and a solid foundation in electrical installations.

Craig has worked as a qualified supervisor managing compliance and overseeing a variety of installations including factory and hotel maintenance, new housing developments, and renewable energy systems. His roles have required close collaboration with contractors and precise management of complex projects.

Currently, Craig works as an Electrical Tutor, supporting apprentices with their NVQ portfolios and maintaining high training and assessment standards. His dedication to quality, mentorship, and ongoing professional growth makes him a valued member of both the electrical sector and vocational education.

"My experience across different electrical settings has taught me the importance of attention to detail and strong teamwork. As a tutor, I’m committed to helping apprentices develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in this dynamic industry."

Staff Profile: David Matthews

David began his career as a mechanical engineer working in the automotive sector before spending six years in Africa. There, he managed township school construction sites and studied renewable energy. Returning to the UK in 2000, he ran a business focused on renewable energy supply, design, and installation.

His projects include installing PV systems on the Big Brother house and serving as commissioning engineer for Renewable Energy House in Brussels. David has held leadership roles as CEO of the Solar Trade and GSHP associations and later the IDHEE. He developed government-backed heat pump courses and chaired MCS during novation. After five years as a secondary school maths teacher, he became a renewable heating college lecturer in 2024.

"My career has combined engineering, teaching, and leadership in renewable energy. I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and skills that help build a sustainable future while supporting learners to succeed in this growing sector."

Staff Profile: Lee Wright

Lee is a construction and education professional with over 25 years of experience in carpentry, joinery, site management, and vocational teaching. He began his career in hands-on craftsmanship and project management, leading a variety of building projects including residential and commercial works.

In the last decade, Lee shifted into education, serving as a lecturer, course manager, and curriculum leader. He has played a key role in designing and delivering construction qualifications such as NVQs, Diplomas, and BTEC programmes. His teaching combines practical knowledge with personal development to prepare learners for careers in construction.

Lee’s strong industry experience and dedication to education help him connect theory with real-world practice, ensuring learners are ready for the construction sector’s challenges.

"My background in construction shapes how I teach. I focus on blending practical skills with personal growth to help learners succeed in this demanding industry. It’s rewarding to support people as they build their careers in construction."

Staff Profile: Nyomi Rowsell

Nyomi Rowsell brings a strong background in sustainable architecture and environmental innovation to the Net Zero Skills Hub. She earned her MArchD at Oxford Brookes University, specialising in climate-resilient design using strategies such as water harvesting and natural, climate-responsive materials to address extreme temperatures.

Nyomi began her career in Malawi, working as a rammed earth architect and founding ICCM (International Conservation and Clean-up Management), a social enterprise focused on environmental education and waste management solutions. This work sparked her deep commitment to resource efficiency and circular design.

In the UK, Nyomi worked as a waste management project officer with Surrey Environment Partnership and later as a consultant at Buro Happold, developing waste systems for global infrastructure projects. Her career blends sustainability, design, and education, driven by a passion for inspiring younger generations to create a more sustainable future.

"Never give up on a hill, always focus on the larger vision. I believe design shapes culture, culture shapes values, and values determine the future. My goal is to empower learners to understand this connection and become agents of positive change."

Staff Profile: Steve Butcher

Steve brings a wealth of industry and teaching experience to his role, combining over two decades in the electrical sector with five years of teaching Electrical learners. He founded Selectrix in 2006, successfully delivering a wide range of projects - from domestic installations to complex industrial, commercial, and agricultural works - demonstrating strong skills in design, project management, and commissioning.

Starting his career as an apprentice at MESL Group Ltd. in 1999, Steve worked his way up to JIB Approved Electrician, leading teams and high-level projects. Today, he draws on that journey to inspire and guide the next generation of electricians.

"I started as an apprentice myself, so I know how powerful good guidance and hands-on experience can be. I’ve worked on everything from small domestic jobs to major industrial projects, and now I’m passionate about passing that knowledge on to help shape confident, capable electricians for the future."

Staff Profile: Will Gibbs

Will is a forward-thinking education professional with a background in electrical installation and construction training. A former electrician, he has held roles from Lecturer to Head of Department, with expertise in teaching, assessment, quality assurance, and leadership across post-16 and apprenticeship provision.

He has contributed nationally to technical qualifications as a marker, moderator, and exam writer. Currently, he leads strategic construction projects - including the Net Zero Skills Hub and skills bootcamps - developing programmes aligned with regional skills priorities. Will is committed to innovation, quality, and placing learners at the heart of education.

"I'm passionate about creating high-quality, future-focused education and training that genuinely changes lives. My goal has always been to place learners at the centre of everything I do - whether that's through developing new programmes, shaping qualifications, or leading strategic projects. I believe that by aligning education with real-world skills needs, we can drive meaningful change for both individuals and the wider industry."

The Launch of our Net Zero Skills Hub

In October 2023, Abingdon & Witney College opened their new Net Zero Skills Hub, with a launch event at their Abingdon campus. Attended by over 60 employers and stakeholders including those from the construction, building, building services and sustainability industries, the event was an exciting opportunity to view the new training centre and to hear from experts about the importance of training for solving the climate emergency.

“One of the strengths of further education colleges is the work that they do to support adults to gain the very latest skills training, whether this is to develop an existing career or to start a new one.

The Net Zero Skills Hub is a modern, vibrant training environment for adults with the very latest technology and equipment. Our trainers are experts in their field, recently from industry, who are passionate about passing on their skills and making a real difference.

We are very proud of the investment that the college has made in this important sector and are very much looking forward to our first courses starting.”

- Jacqui Canton, Principal and CEO of Abingdon & Witney College

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